Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, supported in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cooperative Agreement U58/DP006066-01 (2018). 

Data are from the Washington State and national Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is an annual random telephone interview survey of non-institutionalized adults ages 18 and older that has been conducted in King County since 1987. Starting in 2003, the BRFSS was administered in English and Spanish. The limitations of an English-and-Spanish-only telephone survey include the following: a) people who do not have a land line telephone or who do not speak English or Spanish are excluded, and b) people who have less education and lower incomes are underrepresented. Prevalence rates from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey are expressed as percent of the adult population, usually ages 18+. Exceptions to the age range are noted. These rates are not age-adjusted.

For additional information on the Washington State BRFSS, see: http://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/HealthBehaviors/BehavioralRiskFactorSurveillanceSystemBRFSS.aspx.

For additional information on the national BRFSS, see https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/

Firearm storage term definitions

Gun stored in or around home:

Numerator: People who responded “Yes” to the question: “Firearms include weapons such as pistols, shotguns, and rifles. In answering the questions, do not include BB guns, starter pistols, or guns that cannot fire. Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle. Are any firearms now kept in or around your home?”

Denominator: All respondents who answered the question.

Gun stored loaded:

Numerator: People who responded “Yes” to the question: “Is there a firearm in or around your home that is now loaded?”

Denominator: People who responded “Yes” to the question: “Firearms include weapons such as pistols, shotguns, and rifles. In answering the questions, do not include BB guns, starter pistols, or guns that cannot fire. Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle. Are any firearms now kept in or around your home?”

Gun stored unlocked:

Numerator: People who responded “Yes” to the question: “Is there a firearm in or around your home that is now unlocked? By unlocked, we mean you do not need a key or combination to get the gun or to fire it. We don’t count a safety as a lock.”

Denominator: People who responded “Yes” to the question: “Firearms include weapons such as pistols, shotguns, and rifles. In answering the questions, do not include BB guns, starter pistols, or guns that cannot fire. Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle. Are any firearms now kept in or around your home?”

Gun stored loaded and unlocked:

Numerator: People who responded “Yes” to the question: “Is there a firearm in or around your home that is now loaded?” and “Yes” to the question: “Is there a firearm in or around your home that is now unlocked? By unlocked, we mean you do not need a key or combination to get the gun or to fire it. We don’t count a safety as a lock.” and responded  

Denominator: People who responded “Yes” to the question: “Firearms include weapons such as pistols, shotguns, and rifles. In answering the questions, do not include BB guns, starter pistols, or guns that cannot fire. Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle. Are any firearms now kept in or around your home?”

Data here are from 2000, 2002, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2020.

For more information about guns in King County, see https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/violence-injury-prevention/violence-prevention/gun-violence/LOK-IT-UP/firearm-facts.aspx.